Dietitian outlines weight-maintenance plan after GLP-1 use

People who stop GLP-1 weight-loss medication often regain weight, according to dietitian Linia Patel. She says this response reflects the body’s biology rather than personal failure, and that planning for the period after treatment should begin while the medication is still helping with appetite.

Patel recommends using that window to develop practical routines, including preparing nutritious meals and finding ways to handle stress that do not center on food. She also advises eating at planned breakfast, lunch and dinner times instead of waiting for hunger, since reduced appetite can make it easy to miss meals. Soups and smoothies may help when solid food feels difficult.

Her broader approach pairs protein with fiber to support muscle retention, fullness and digestion. Resistance exercise can work alongside protein to help preserve strength. Patel also warns against eliminating entire food categories, pointing to possible problems such as low iron and hair loss when people do not eat enough or broadly enough. Her suggested pattern includes protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, produce and other fiber-rich foods. The article notes that about half of users may not remain on these medications because they pay themselves, find treatment costly or do not want long-term medication.